The role of closer in Major League Baseball is among the most important in the game. Closers are constantly relied upon in tough situations, with the game on the line.
A good closer can propel a team into the playoffs and to postseason success. Teams with unreliable stoppers pitching the ninth inning often find themselves struggling in mediocrity and are usually playing golf in October.
So who were the five most valuable closers in 2012?
Here is a breakdown of the five most valuable ninth-inning saviors from the past season.